Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Published date12 November 2019
Citation84 FR 60900
Record Number2019-24501
SectionRules and Regulations
CourtFederal Aviation Administration
Federal Register, Volume 84 Issue 218 (Tuesday, November 12, 2019)
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 218 (Tuesday, November 12, 2019)]
                [Rules and Regulations]
                [Pages 60900-60902]
                From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
                [FR Doc No: 2019-24501]
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                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                Federal Aviation Administration
                14 CFR Part 39
                [Docket No. FAA-2019-0583; Product Identifier 2019-NM-063-AD; Amendment
                39-19780; AD 2019-22-01]
                RIN 2120-AA64
                Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
                AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
                ACTION: Final rule.
                -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
                certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This AD was prompted
                by a report of an escapement from the wing spar terminal fitting
                supplier indicating that the engineering requirements provided by
                Boeing for controlling machine mismatch were incorrect for part faying
                surfaces, which can result in a reduced fatigue capability at the
                interface of the side of body (SOB) rib. This AD requires repetitive
                inspections for fatigue cracking and applicable on-condition actions
                for the SOB rib webs where fastener locations attach the terminal
                fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
                these products.
                DATES: This AD is effective December 17, 2019.
                 The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
                reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 17,
                2019.
                ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
                contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
                Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA
                90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the
                FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA.
                For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
                206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
                0583.
                Examining the AD Docket
                 You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
                0583; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
                Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
                this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
                other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department
                of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
                Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Allen Rauschendorfer, Aerospace
                Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th
                St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3528; email:
                [email protected].
                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                Discussion
                 The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
                CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would
                [[Page 60901]]
                apply to certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. The NPRM
                published in the Federal Register on August 9, 2019 (84 FR 39239). The
                NPRM was prompted by a report of an escapement from the wing spar
                terminal fitting supplier indicating that the engineering requirements
                provided by Boeing for controlling machine mismatch were incorrect for
                part faying surfaces, which can result in a reduced fatigue capability
                at the interface of the SOB rib. The NPRM proposed to require
                repetitive inspections for fatigue cracking and applicable on-condition
                actions for the SOB rib webs where fastener locations attach the
                terminal fittings.
                 The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracks in the left
                and right SOB rib webs common to the front and rear wing spar terminal
                fittings. Undetected fatigue cracks can grow to weaken primary wing
                structure where it cannot sustain limit load, which could adversely
                affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
                Comments
                 The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
                developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comment
                received. Boeing indicated its support for the NPRM.
                Conclusion
                 The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
                received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
                require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor
                editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
                 Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
                NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
                 Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
                already proposed in the NPRM.
                Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
                 The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
                SB570036-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 14, 2018. The service
                information describes procedures for repetitive high frequency eddy
                current or ultrasonic inspections for fatigue cracking and applicable
                on-condition actions for the SOB rib webs where fastener locations
                attach the terminal fittings. On-condition actions include repair. This
                service information is reasonably available because the interested
                parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
                the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                Costs of Compliance
                 The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1 airplane of U.S. registry.
                The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
                 Estimated Costs for Required Actions
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Cost on U.S.
                 Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Inspection....................... Up to 32 work-hours $960 Up to $3,680 per Up to $3,680 per
                 x $85 per hour = inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
                 Up to $2,720 per
                 inspection cycle.
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the
                agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified
                in this AD.
                 According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
                may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
                affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
                affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
                in our cost estimate.
                Authority for This Rulemaking
                 Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
                issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
                authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
                describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
                 The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
                Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
                requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
                promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
                regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
                finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
                the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
                that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
                rulemaking action.
                 This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
                Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
                FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
                normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
                during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
                authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and
                associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
                Regulatory Findings
                 This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
                13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
                on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
                on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
                levels of government.
                 For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
                 (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
                Order 12866,
                 (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
                 (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
                negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
                of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
                List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
                reference, Safety.
                Adoption of the Amendment
                 Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
                Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
                PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
                0
                1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
                 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
                0
                2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
                directive (AD):
                2019-22-01 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19780; Docket No. FAA-
                2019-0583; Product Identifier 2019-NM-063-AD.
                [[Page 60902]]
                (a) Effective Date
                 This AD is effective December 17, 2019.
                (b) Affected ADs
                 None.
                (c) Applicability
                 This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes,
                certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert
                Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB570036-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
                December 14, 2018.
                (d) Subject
                 Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
                (e) Unsafe Condition
                 This AD was prompted by a report of an escapement from the wing
                spar terminal fitting supplier indicating that the engineering
                requirements provided by Boeing for controlling machine mismatch
                were incorrect for part faying surfaces, which can result in a
                reduced fatigue capability at the interface of the side of body
                (SOB) rib. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracks in
                the left and right SOB rib webs common to the front and rear wing
                spar terminal fittings. Undetected fatigue cracks can grow to weaken
                primary wing structure where it cannot sustain limit load, which
                could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
                (f) Compliance
                 Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
                unless already done.
                (g) Required Actions
                 Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
                applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
                Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB570036-00 RB, Issue 001,
                dated December 14, 2018, do all applicable actions identified in,
                and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
                Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB570036-00 RB, Issue 001,
                dated December 14, 2018.
                 Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
                required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
                B787-81205-SB570036-00, Issue 001, dated December 14, 2018, which is
                referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
                SB570036-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 14, 2018.
                (h) Exception to Service Information Specifications
                 Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB570036-00
                RB, Issue 001, dated December 14, 2018, specifies contacting Boeing
                for repair instructions: This AD requires doing the repair using a
                method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
                paragraph (i) of this AD.
                (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
                 (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to
                approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
                in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
                to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District
                Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
                manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the
                person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be
                emailed to: [email protected].
                 (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
                principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
                of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
                district office.
                 (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
                used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
                if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation
                Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
                ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair
                method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
                the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
                specifically refer to this AD.
                (j) Related Information
                 For more information about this AD, contact Allen
                Rauschendorfer, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle
                ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and
                fax: 206-231-3528; email: [email protected].
                (k) Material Incorporated by Reference
                 (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
                incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
                in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
                 (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
                the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
                 (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB570036-00
                RB, Issue 001, dated December 14, 2018.
                 (ii) [Reserved]
                 (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
                Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
                (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
                5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
                 (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
                Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
                information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
                206-231-3195.
                 (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
                by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
                (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
                NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
                 Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on October 29, 2019.
                Michael Kaszycki,
                Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
                Service.
                [FR Doc. 2019-24501 Filed 11-8-19; 8:45 am]
                BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
                

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